Review of Movie: Garage Sale Mysteries-Murder Takes the Stage starring Lori Loughlin and Steve Bacic

The Plot

The opening scene finds Jennifer and her best friend/business partner, Dani at a garage sale hunting for treasures they could resell at Rags to Riches, the antique shop/consignment store the pair own together.

Looking for items that might work for an upcoming harvest festival, the two get to talking about the murder mystery performance that will be held at a local Bed and Breakfast.

That charity event centers around the famous murder trial of Lizzie Borden back in the 1800’s.

Fast forward to the Bed and Breakfast where the entire cast of Lizzie’s reenactment gather. We are introduced to several characters who look less than well-meaning.

Then there is the murder…and well chaos ensues. Jenn leans on Detective Frank (who also happens to be a cast member) to help solve the sudden demise of a very outspoken participant who is chomping at the bit to buy a rare book based on the Lizzie Borden case. Guess what? It’s not for sale!

The chemistry between Jenn and Detective Frank is so heartwarming and reassuring. They are not good-cop-bad cop so much as brother and sister squabbling a little bit but ultimately relying on each others’ separate but distinct skills to solve this murder.

The Actors

We know Lori Loughlin from her time on Full House, of course. But did you know she also created and starred in a series called Summerland?

Seems Lori is just as talented behind the scenes as she is in front of the camera.

Often the “best friend” role ends up being a little cliche. Not this time..Especially not in the hands of Sarah Strange, a Canadian actress who plays the part of Dani beautifully. She goes along with Jenn on most things…but only to a point. Never afraid to speak her mind, Dani needs her own series!

Steve Bacic who plays long-suffering husband Jason, also hails from Canada. The chemistry between Jason and Jenn is truly heartwarming, and never gets sappy.

Steve has a long list of credits as an actor, but what I found most interesting is the he got a degree in Kinesiology before the acting bug bit him

Kevin O’Grady (Detective Frank) also started on a different path. He grew up in Winnipeg, Canada longing for a career as a comic book artist, before he moved to Vancouver and met a group of actors.

However they got here, this group works well together and the good writing makes the story line hum along. When my husband and I watched this movie together, he was convinced he knew “who Dunn it” but he was wrong! And believe me when I say, my hubby is rarely wrong.

My Thoughts on this Movie

I loved the bed and breakfast setting and the Lizzie Borden theme. Because the case was so controversial, conflict erupted easily right from the start.

Like I said, I enjoyed the playful dynamic between Jenn and Detective Frank. Could he get a bigger role next time? And as for Jenn’s son Logan, his part needed to be expanded. That kid is an amateur sleuth in the making.

Garage Sale Mysteries: Murder Takes Center Stage was fast moving and really never dragged, as some cozy mysteries tend to. Also, I kept track of the characters easily. It never got confusing who was who. Since this was my first foray into the “Garage Sale” franchise, I will definitely go back and watch them all!

Favorite Line from the Movie

When Logan says, “A blurb that’s more snazzy than nifty…” Referring to his mom’s use of retro terms. Hey Logan, when your audience is “of a certain age” you use those words with abandon!